"Of course some of these policies have been delayed by the specific issues around COVID-19 but I can assure you that alongside the COVID-19 work, our officials continue to do those things to make them happen."

Image:The Mermaids charity said the number of people who regret the surgery is 'very low'

The charity Mermaids, which supports children questioning their gender along with their parents, said it would be "extraordinary" if Ms Truss introduced "a new form of inequality into British medical practice".

It said NHS statistics show the number of people who have regrets after having undergone the surgery is "very low".

"The process by which young, trans people access medical interventions is already subject to a number of safeguards," a spokesperson for the charity said.

"No young person under the age of 16 would typically have access to any form of gender-affirmation surgery and those aged 16 and 17 are subject to the same safeguards any young person would be when making decisions around surgery."